Ocean Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC: How to Catch the Big Ones

By Ken Roberts 11 February, 2023 7 mins read

These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in North Carolina. The following information will help to find the best catch, no matter if you are fishing from an offshore trolling vessel or using high-speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.

Offshore trolling

Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.

Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.

In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. But if you're interested to learn more about high-speed trolling, you might like to see the tactics of five highly skilled captains.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos are the best bait for catching wahoo. You can either freeze or freshen the bait and retrieve it with a trolling J-hook. The hook itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.

Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.

Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos make great wahoo bait. You should invest in a hard lure if you have a planer rod such as a Yozuri Bonita, or a Braid Marauder. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.

A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached to the leader. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.

High-speed lures

A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These lures can be pulled using an inline trolling weight, and then placed on a planer or downrigger. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.

These fish love a high-speed trolling lure because it can be quickly taken to the best fishing spots. Wahoo can hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.

One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures can be rigged using wire or cable. However, this can cause damage to the lure if the lure is bent. This is why it's a good idea to get a multi-stranded wire. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. You can also use a clip to make changing lures more simple.

Floating debris

Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. Floating debris may also be a good way to spot these majestic fish schools.

Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain dolphins. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. He should also use a fast retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear to reach the wahoo. A 4- to 6-ounce diamond jig, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength is recommended. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.

The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cool water and places with current. Satellite imagery can be used to monitor the temperature of the surface to determine if there are any temperature changes that could lead to a higher Wahoo concentration. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.

Structure

A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. They might migrate across the Atlantic via a number of areas: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.

Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. Fishing a wahoo requires that the captain bumps the boat in and off of gear to help the angler stay steady.

Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They prefer to strike fast-moving lures. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. They are more likely to catch a weedline, or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.

The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.

Peak feeding times

Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.

Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.

From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.

FAQ

What's the right fishing rod length?

The size of the fish you want to catch will dictate the length of the fishing rod. A 6'6" rod is ideal if you are targeting smallmouth bass. However, if you're looking for largemouth bass, a 7'5" rod might work better.

Can I fish during the day or night?

Yes, but you will need to ensure that you are using artificial light. Fisherman use artificial light to attract fish. They are most effective after the sun sets, when fish are more active.

How much can I budget to spend on fish-catching gear?

You don’t have to spend much on fishing gear. You can find many affordable options. You could, for example, buy a cheap reel and line. You could also invest in a rod and reel set.

How much are basic fishing tools?

Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. You will need to spend $500-$1000 if you plan to rent a larger boat.

What distance should I fish from the shore?

The farther you are from the shore, you're more likely to catch fish. But, you also have a higher chance of getting wet.

Where can i buy fishing supplies

These items are available at most sporting good stores. However, if you are looking for something specific, you may want to check online. Many websites offer everything you need, from tackle boxes and lures to rods or reels.

Statistics

You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
For most freshwater species you are most likely to target when first starting out, a reel size of 20 to 30 should be more than enough! (strikeandcatch.com)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)